Pediatric suggestions: using hypnosis in the routine examination of children

The recognition and utilization of trance phenomena in clinical pediatrics can energize the practitioner and be therapeutically beneficial for the child. The aim of this paper is to characterize and promote the purposeful inclusion of trance and suggestion in the routine pediatric examination. This includes, but goes beyond, the child-oriented examination skills customarily associated with being a "good," child-friendly pediatrician. While this paper highlights trance recognition from a clinician's perspective, emphasis is placed on utilizing spontaneous hypnotic moments whenever they occur to further the agenda of the encounter, diminish doctor visit anxiety, enhance self empowerment, and improve the milieu for pediatric care.